Lip device for dishware

ABSTRACT

A lip device for dishware includes a dish engagement unit and a generally circular main body having a first end, a second end and a curved middle section. The lip device including either a rigid construction forming a permanent overhang, or a malleable construction functioning to transition the device between an open position wherein the lip is folded against an outside facing surface of piece of dishware, and a closed position wherein the lip forms an overhang radiating toward the center portion of the dishware.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dishware for use in serving and consuming food items, and more particularly to a lip device which can be secured to food service bowls.

Dishware such as bowls and plates for serving solid and liquid food items are well known in the art and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, there are some known food bowls which have a curved upper lip that can act as a scoop for assisting a user to deposit the liquid contents of the bowl onto a utensil such as a spoon or other such device.

Although generally useful for individuals such as children, the elderly and/or the infirm, these traditional bowls suffer from many drawbacks which have seriously impacted the potential for commercial success. For example, by providing a fixed inward radiating lip, these conventional bowls are not able to be stacked in a compact manner wherein the bottom surface of a first bowl is positioned within the walls of a second bowl located beneath it. This is because the inward radiating lip section of the second bowl is, necessarily, more narrow than the walls of the first bowl, and therefore prevent compact stacking of the bowls. As a result, precious cabinet space within a kitchen is occupied by the inefficiency of these bowls.

Additionally, the design of these bowls presents a serious impediment to the ability to thoroughly wash and clean the bowls after use. This is because when these conventional bowls are placed on their sides or in an inverted position within a dishwasher, for example, dirty water, soapy detergent and/or leftover food items become trapped within the curved lip section, thereby preventing the same from being washed away. As such, it is not uncommon for the lipped section of these bowls to become more soiled after the bowl is washed, than it was before going into the dishwasher.

In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide a lip device which can be secured onto traditional dishware items, in order to provide assistance to young and/or special need individuals, that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the above noted devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lip device for dishware. One embodiment of the present invention can include a generally circular main body having a first end, a second end and a curved middle section. A dish engagement unit can be positioned along the periphery of the first end, and can function to secure the lip device to a piece of dishware such as a bowl. The lip device can include a generally rigid construction which can create an overhang within the bowl for facilitating the removal of liquids and solids via a spoon or other such utensil.

In another embodiment, the main body can be constructed from a generally malleable and/or elastomeric material that can transition between an open position wherein the lip is folded against the outside facing surface piece of dishware, and a closed position wherein the lip forms an overhang radiating toward the center portion of the dishware.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top section of a lip device for dishware, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lip device for dishware, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a radial cross-section view of the lip device for dishware, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a radial cross-section view of the lip device for dishware, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lip device for dishware in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lip device secured onto a bowl in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a radial cross-section view of the lip device for dishware in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lip device for dishware in an open position, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

As described throughout this document, the term “dishware” and derivatives thereof shall refer to virtually any type of dishes typically associated with food service. Several non-limiting examples include bowls, plates, drinking glasses, serving platters, pots, pans and the like. For ease of illustration, the below illustrations will primarily describe the lip device for dishware with respect to a bowl, however, the inventive concepts described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any particular dishware component. Moreover, for purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Various embodiments of a lip device for dishware 10 (also referred to as “lip” and “device”), is described with respect to the below figures. As shown, the lip 10 can include a generally curved main body 11 that is in communication with a dish engagement unit 12 along a first end.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a top and bottom view, respectively, of one embodiment of the lip device 10. As shown, the main body 11 can include a generally circular shape having a first end 11 a, a second end 11 b, and a curved middle section 11 c, a top facing surface 11 d, and a bottom facing surface 11 e. In one embodiment, the main body can be constructed from a lightweight and generally rigid material such as plastic for example, that is safe for use with food, and that is preferably dishwasher safe and can be sized to fit about the periphery of my number of standard sized dishware such as 8″ bowls, 10″ plates, etc. Of course, any number of other sizes and materials are also contemplated.

As shown best in FIG. 3, which illustrates a radial cross section view of the lip 10, the dish engagement unit 21 can be disposed along the first end of the main body 11 a, and can include an elongated outside facing portion 21 a, and an optional inside facing portion 21 b that are connected by a raised middle portion 21 c, forming a generally inverted V-shaped channel. In the preferred embodiment, the engagement unit 21 can be constructed from a lightweight generally elastomeric material, such as rubber, for example, wherein the distance between the inside and outside facing portions can expand and contract with respect to each other, so as to allow the unit to engage the upper edge/lip of a piece of dishware such as a bowl, for example (See FIG. 5 below).

Of course, the device is not to be construed as limiting to any particular construction material, as any number of different materials which are suitable for use with dishware, and that are preferably dishwasher safe can also be utilized herein. Several nonlimiting examples including plastic, PVC, composite materials and/or metals such as steel or aluminum, for example, each of which can also be coated with a rubber or rubber-like material in order to securely fit onto the edge of a piece of dishware in a non-skid manner.

Although dimensions are not critical, in one preferred embodiment the radial height (i.e., the vertical [Y] distance between the first end 11 a and the second end 11 b), and the radial width (i.e., the horizontal [X] distance between the first end 11 a and the second end 11 b), can be between approximately 0.25 inches and 2 inches, for example. In either instance, and owing to the curved shape of the main body, the second end 11 b can extend inward from the first end 11 a, toward the radial center of the device, thereby forming an overhang 30 which can function to facilitate the transfer of solid or liquid food onto a spoon when the device is secured onto dishware such as a bowl, for example (See FIG. 6 below).

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the device 10, wherein the lip can transition between the previously illustrated closed position (e.g., 0 degrees relative to the vertical (Y) axis), and an open position (e.g., 180 degrees relative to the vertical (Y) axis). In this embodiment, the main body 11 can preferably be constructed from a generally resilient and/or elastomeric material such as rubber or silicone, for example. Such a feature can allow the lip edge 11 b to bend outward (i.e., away from the radial center of the device), thereby resulting in the lip passing through the vertical Y axis and snapping into the open position illustrated in FIG. 4. When it is desirable to transition from the open to the closed position, the same steps are repeated in an opposite direction. In this regard, the resilient nature of the lip will automatically form the curved overhang described above.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one embodiment of the device 10 being secured onto a bowl 5 having a base 5 a and a sidewall 5 b. As shown, the upper edge of the sidewall 5 b can be inserted into the engagement unit 21 (See arrow A), so as to affix the lip 10 about the upper perimeter of the bowl 5. When in this orientation, the lip is in the closed position, and is ready for use, as described below in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7, is a radial cross section view of FIG. 6, wherein the lip 10 is in the closed position and secured onto the bowl 5. As shown, the lip 10 can function to create a curved upper boundary of the bowl that can assist users in depositing liquid food L onto a spoon 1 or other such utensil via a scooping motion (see arrow B).

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the device wherein the lip 10 is in the open position. As shown, when in the open position, the lip can be folded against the outside facing surface of the bowl's sidewall 5 b so that the overhang 30 is removed, and the curved portion aligns with the natural curvature of the outside of the bowl sidewall. Moreover, when in this position, the bottom facing surface 11 e is now fully exposed, and the same can be thoroughly cleaned, regardless of the orientation of the dish, and without trapping debris. Of course, the lip 10 can also be removed from the bowl, and washed separately, if desired by a user.

Although illustrated above as including a circular shape and particular construction materials, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, the device 10 can include any number of known shapes and construction materials which are desirable and suitable for use with food service items. Moreover, the device 10 can include any number of different dimensions suitable for engaging dishware of all shapes and sizes.

As described herein, one or more elements of the lip device for dishware 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the main body 11 and the engagement unit 21, for example, may be formed together as one continuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lip device for dishware having a base and a sidewall, said lip device comprising: a generally circular main body having a first end, a second end, a curved middle section, a top facing surface and a bottom facing surface; and a dish engagement unit that is disposed along the first end of the generally circular man body, said dish engagement unit including an outside facing portion, and a raised middle portion, each of said portions forming a generally inverted V-shaped channel that is configured to engage an upper periphery the sidewall of a piece of dishware, wherein the generally circular main body is constructed from a lightweight piece of generally rigid material.
 2. The lip device of claim 1, wherein the dish engagement unit is constructed from a generally malleable material that is configured to allow the inside facing portion and the outside facing portion to expand and retract with respect to each other.
 3. The lip device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the main body extends away from the first end of the main body, towards a radial center of the device, and the curved middle section forms an overhang.
 4. The lip device of claim 3, wherein a radial height of the overhang is between approximately 0.25 inches and 2 inches.
 5. The lip device of claim 3, wherein a radial width of the overhang is between approximately 0.25 inches and 2 inches.
 6. A lip device for dishware having a base and a sidewall, said lip device comprising: a generally circular main body having a first end, a second end, a curved middle section, a top facing surface and a bottom facing surface; and a dish engagement unit that is disposed along the first end of the generally circular man body, said dish engagement unit including an outside facing portion, an inside facing portion and a raised middle portion, each of said portions forming a generally inverted V-shaped channel that is configured to engage an upper periphery the sidewall of a piece of dishware, wherein the generally circular main body is constructed from a generally malleable material, and is configured to transition between an open position and a closed position.
 7. The lip device of claim 6, wherein the second end of the main body extends away from the first end of the main body, towards a radial center of the device, and the curved middle section forms an overhang when the device is in the closed position.
 8. The lip device of claim 6, wherein the second end of the main body extends away from both the first end of the main body and a radial center of the device, when the device is in the open position.
 9. The lip device of claim 6, wherein the dish engagement unit is constructed from a generally malleable material that is configured to allow the inside facing portion and the outside facing portion to expand and retract with respect to each other.
 10. The lip device of claim 6, wherein a radial height of the overhang is between approximately 0.25 inches and 2 inches when the device is in the closed position.
 11. The lip device of claim 6, wherein a radial width of the overhang is between approximately 0.25 inches and 2 inches when the device is in the closed position.
 12. The lip device of claim 6, wherein the bottom facing surface of the main body faces away from a radial center of the device, when the device is in the open position.
 13. The lip device of claim 6, wherein the main body is configured to conform to a shape of the dishware sidewall when the lip is in the open position. 